Fenton Robinson - Somebody Loan Me a Dime

Robinson's "Somebody Loan Me a Dime" was made famous by Boz Scaggs and Duane Allman in 1969, although Boz claimed writing credits for himself. But, it was always Fenton's tune - he recorded it in 1967 - and was, in fact, his signature number throughout his career. This CD is a reissue of his 1974 Alligator Records album that reprises that song and also includes luminaries such as Mighty Joe Young on rhythm guitar, Bill Heid on keys, Cornelius Boyson on bass and Tony Gooden on drums.

Fenton is an excellent and innovative singer and guitarist in the style of B.B. King and T-Bone Walker, though with plenty of his own characteristic techniques. Especially with the added horn section, there is a feel similar to King in many of the tunes (his "The Getaway" reminds me of "The Thrill is Gone" and his singing in "Directly From My Heart to You" is very similar to B.B., although it is apparently a Little Richard number) but his guitar playing is more fast'n'fluid and pretty damn amazing to behold.

Yet another relatively unknown Chicago bluesman that never really got his due. This is an excellent selection from an imaginative and extremely talented musician - highly recommended!